Compact jaw including split pivot pin

Abstract

An end effector assembly for use with a forceps includes a pair of jaw members, a knife assembly, and one or more cam assemblies. One or more of the jaw members are moveable relative to the other about a pivot between open and closed positions. One or more of the jaw members include a knife channel. The pivot includes first and second sections defining a passage therebetween. The knife assembly includes a knife blade and an actuation shaft. The knife blade is disposed distally relative to the pivot. The actuation shaft is configured for slidable translation through the passage to allow selective advancement of the knife blade through the knife channel. The one or more cam assemblies are operably coupled to the one or more moveable jaw members and are actuatable to move the one or more jaw members between the open and closed positions for grasping tissue therebetween.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for performing an endoscopic electrosurgical procedure. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for performing an endoscopic electrosurgical procedure that employs an endoscopic electrosurgical apparatus that includes an end effector assembly configured for use with variously-sized access ports.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Electrosurgical apparatuses (e.g., electrosurgical forceps) are well known in the medical arts and typically include a handle, a shaft and an end effector assembly operatively coupled to a distal end of the shaft that is configured to manipulate tissue (e.g., grasp and seal tissue). Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to effect homeostasis by heating the tissue and blood vessels to coagulate, cauterize, fuse, seal, cut, desiccate, and / or fulgurate tissue.[0005]As an alternative to open electr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an end effector assembly for a forceps that includes a pair of jaw members, a knife assembly, and one or more cam assemblies. The jaw members are moveable relative to each other between an open and closed position for grasping tissue. The knife assembly includes a knife blade and an actuation shaft that is slidable through a passage defined by the jaw members' pivot. The cam assemblies are operably coupled to the jaw members and are actuatable to move them between the open and closed position. The forceps also includes a knife tube mounted to the pivot and a roll joint for facilitating rotational movement of the jaw members. The technical effects of this invention include improved tissue grasping and electrosurgical treatment with a compact and efficient forceps design.

Problems solved by technology

Endoscopic forceps that are configured for use with small cannulas (e.g., cannulas less than five millimeters) may present design challenges for a manufacturer of endoscopic instruments.

Images